Rossett Coronavirus testing unit closed – along with all three others in North Wales as routine community testing ends

The Rossett testing unit has been closed, along with the others in North Wales, as routine community testing for Coronavirus stops.

Earlier today the Public Health Wales update stated there were now 60 confirmed cases in Wales, however with the ‘routine’ community testing ceasing and request for self isolation with however mild symptoms, those numbers may not show a wider picture.

The unit became active on March 6th and was stopped yesterday as the coronavirus situation moves to a new stage. A few days after opening the choice of location was criticised by local councillor Hugh Jones.

Today Cllr Jones said” I have had confirmation this morning from BCUHB that the Rossett Testing Station for Covid-19 will cease operations probably within 24 hours.

We asked the Health Board today if that was the case, why it was closed and if it was going to be relocated.

A Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board spokesperson told us, “As of 13 March all three of our Community Testing Units (CTUs) are no longer in operation.

“This is part of a national decision that has been taken to end routine community testing as the UK moves into the next phase of the response to slow down the spread of Coronavirus.”

Official advice now states anyone with a “new, continuous” cough or high temperature is now advised to self-isolate for seven days, stay away from your GP, pharmacy or hospital.

Only contact 111 – which is available in the Wrexham area – if your condition worsens considerably.

For those with concerns https://gov.wales/coronavirus is a good starting point for official information.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of:

• new continuous cough and/or
• high temperature

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild infection

Key messages

• if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home and do not leave your house for 7 days from when your symptoms started. (See Ending Isolation section below for more information)
• this action will help protect others in your community whilst you are infectious.
• plan ahead and ask others for help to ensure that you can successfully stay at home.
• ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home.
• stay at least 2 metres (about 3 steps) away from other people in your home whenever possible.
• sleep alone, if that is possible.
• wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, each time using soap and water.
• stay away from vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions as much as possible.
• you do not need to call NHS111 to go into self-isolation. If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.

Who this guidance is for

This advice is intended for people with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), including those with a diagnosis of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, who must remain at home until they are well.

Will I be tested if I think I have COVID-19

We will not be testing those self-isolating with mild symptoms. The following advice is designed to help people prevent the spread.

All the latest information about coronavirus is available on the Welsh Government website at https://gov.wales/coronavirus and https://llyw.cymru/coronafeirws.